Wednesday, September 30, 2015

The ANNETTE LYON COLLECTION contains brand new contemporary romance novella OUR SONG, as well as five hand-picked readers’ and reviewers’ favorites of Annette’s popular Timeless Romance Anthology novellas. Readers will love this selection of three contemporary and three historical romance novellas.

In OUR SONG, a charming romance novella, Cassie and Matt have been dating in the Yellowstone area for two years, and things are, well, average. When Cassie meets up with two college friends who are visiting, their love lives like sound like fairy tales: rose petals, chocolates, candles on the beach… Cassie goes home feeling like she’s missing out. After all, repeatedly watching Old Faithful erupt and walking through sulfur-smelling gases at Fountain Paint Pot don’t exactly say “romance.” Maybe things with Matt aren’t going anywhere, and it’s time to move on. Then she discovers that perception and reality are completely different things. Now she can only hope it isn’t too late to show Matt how much she really cares.

In the sweet novella GOLDEN SUNRISE, Natalie takes time out of her crazy schedule to fly to Vegas for her best friend’s wedding. Sierra and Jason, high-school sweethearts, are finally getting married. Fortunately for Natalie, her old high-school flame, Adam, has a work commitment and can’t be there as best man. But when she arrives at the wedding rehearsal—late and ragged—Adam is there. When Adam makes a wild suggestion, Natalie just may take him up on it, even though she knows he’s moved on. A single choice may mean Natalie is taking a shot at reclaiming the past—or that she's putting her heart in harm’s way a second time.

FIRSTS AND LASTS, an enchanting novella, begins with Dani’s last week in New York. She’s failed in her dreams to catch a break as an actress and is now ready to return home and dust herself off. As she visits the places on her final to-see list, she meets Mark, another New York City transplant with big dreams. Except Mark hasn’t given up on his. As they spend the day together, Dani realizes that even though she hasn’t hit the “big time” she might be living her dream after all. Only problem: she has a one-way ticket back home.

In the compelling novella WAR OF HEARTS, Anna, a journalist, is desperate to escape the magazine where Pete, her now-former boyfriend, also works. Heartbroken and still in love with him, Anna snags an assignment to cover the Winter War in Finland. She arrives at a snowy Finnish battlefront only to discover that Pete is already there—as her photographer. She’s determined to be professional about the situation until a battle breaks out in camp, putting her and Pete in harm’s way and putting their love to the test.

The captivating novella BETWEEN THE LINES follows Jane Martin, who is intelligent but extremely shy, especially around men. When the Aid and Cultural Society proposes a letter-writing program, Jane signs up, hoping she can find true friendship. The program doesn’t run as smoothly as expected, and unknown to Jane, one of the men in her city becomes her writing friend. Thomas Allred has always known shy and quiet Jane, but reading her letters written to his secret persona, opens his eyes to what an amazing woman she is. The only trouble is, Jane doesn’t know that the man who she is falling in love with through letters is also Thomas, the man who is falling in love with her in person.

In the charming novella A TASTE OF HOME, we meet Claire Jennings, who’s on her way to spend Christmas with her family. As she rides the train with William Rhodes, who grew up across the street, memories of the past flood her mind. He may be twenty-one now, but she can’t forget his torturous teasing from their school years. At the rail station, Claire discovers her home is under quarantine because her little brother has measles. She's stuck in town, away from her family, on her favorite holiday, with William.Jewelz Review~
I have read several Timeless Romance Anthologies and Annette Lyon is one of my go-to authors for clean romance, so this was a collection I looked forward to reading. Comprised of 5 previously released stories and 1 new addition, this collection has a little something for everyone - from historical to contemporary.

Our Song is a new story released for the first time in this collection. It's a sweet contemporary romance that reminds us that Hollywood's idea of love isn't necessarily as great as it looks.

Golden Sunrise was previously released in the Summer Wedding Colleciton. Another contemporary that offers a couple a second chance at love.

Firsts and Lasts is from the Summer in New York Collection. I loved this one when I read it the first time and it was so fun to revisit. Sometimes, love walks in when you least expect it.

War of Hearts is from the European Collection. It takes place during the Winter War in Finland. While you'd think a war story would be depressing, this story not only told of how a couple was able to reunite quite literally on the other side of the world, but some perhaps lesser known details of WWII were brought to light for me as well.

Between the Lines was included in the Love Letter Collection. I thoroughly enjoyed how this romance developed through letters. Letter writing is becoming somewhat of a lost art so it was fun to go back in time and remember the power of the pen.

A Taste of Home is the final story and it came from the Silver Bells Collection. It's a delightful Christmas-time story that reminded me of Gilbert Blythe and Anne Shirley. Such a sweet story.

Timeless Romance Anthologies are my favorite quick afternoon reads. Each collection has been a delight and this edition is no exception.

Honest disclosure - I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.

Monday, September 28, 2015

A collection of seven fabulous first-in-series novels from the Seven Sparks author collective. Dive into these adventurous, fantastical, romantic stories with strong heroines and plenty of action. Seven Sparks books are all compelling reads without explicit descriptions or swearing, making these books perfect for YA readers or anyone in the mood for a marvelous adventure! This multi-author bundle contains more than 2,200 pages of great reading.

Combined, these books have over 800 *5-star reviews* on Amazon, with an average ranking of 4.4 stars.

Seventeen-year-old Raine Cooper has enough on her plate dealing with her father’s disappearance, her mother’s erratic behavior and the possibility of her boyfriend relocating. The last thing she needs is Torin St. James—a mysterious new neighbor with a wicked smile and uncanny way of reading her.

What if a high-tech computer game was actually a gateway to the Realm of Faerie? Jennet Carter soon finds herself battling the Dark Queen, falling for the perfect hero, and trying to save her own world from unspeakable danger!

STARSTRUCK – USA Today bestselling author Brenda Hiatt (Science Fiction/Sweet Romance/Coming of Age)
The middle of nowhere gets a lot more interesting for an orphaned astronomy geek when the hot new quarterback inexplicably befriends her and strange things start to happen: her acne clears up, her eyesight improves, and when they touch, sparks fly—literally! The incredible truth will change her mundane life forever—if she survives!

THE GATEKEEPER’S SONS – Bestselling author Eva Pohler (Greek Myths & Legends/Teen Fantasy/Paranormal Romance)
Fifteen-year-old Therese Mills is heading home in the car with her parents when someone begins shooting at them, sending their car into a lake. She finds the strength to escape, and winds up in the coma that introduces her to the twin sons of Hades… and plunges her into the center of a war brewing between the Gods on Mount Olympus.

SWORN TO RAISE – New York Times bestselling author Terah Edun (High Fantasy/Sword & Sorcery/Coming of Age/Action Adventure)
When peasant girl Ciardis is chosen for a position at court, she travels across the empire to begin a new life. To survive, she’ll need to master intrigue, befriend a crown prince, and learn to control magical abilities she never knew existed.

ATLANTIS RIPTIDE – Bestselling author Allie Burton (Mermaids/Clean Romance/Sci-Fi Fantasy/Genetic Engineering)
Pearl ran away from the circus, tired of her adoptive parents’ abuse of her special skills. Unknownst to her, a battle rages under the ocean and each side wants to use her powers for their cause. As Pearl discovers her talents she must choose her destiny – ignore the churning seas or swim into battle.

SAVING MARS – Bestselling author Cidney Swanson (Science Fiction/Teen Romance/Action Adventure)
Jessamyn pilots a ship to Earth to steal food for the Mars Colony at a time when Earth-Mars relations couldn’t be worse. Breaking rules of no contact, Jess falls for Pavel, nephew to Earth’s Chancellor, but when Jess’s brother is captured, she must choose: rescue her brother or her planet?

Book Blast Giveaway
$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 10/16/15
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, September 25, 2015

~BLURB~
To touch a Dark One is death.
To talk to an immortal is suicide.
Yet, I've been marked by both.
A Vampire.
And the King of the immortals.
My life is no longer my own.
And now I know the truth, my life was never mine to begin with.
It was theirs.
It's always been theirs.

I still tasted her blood on my lips, was embarrassed for the first time in a century when Alex glanced up from his spot at the kitchen table to see me licking my lips like I'd just devoured the poor girl.

He shook his head. "Been that long, huh?"

"Alex…" I closed my eyes and prayed for patience. "…remind me why I let you live here?"

"I'm good-looking," he answered simply. "Besides, I'm a hell of a fighter — scrappy, I think is how you define my kind. You need me."

"Stop." I pressed my fingertips to my temples and rubbed. The ache to have her had consumed me so much that I'd run down the stairs moving so fast I'd nearly collided with a wall, and grabbed blood from the fridge.

I didn't need it.

But I craved it.

And if I didn't drink the donated blood, I sure as hell was going to drain her and enjoyed very last drop.

"I wonder…" Alex's voice pierced my thoughts. "What's it like?" He leaned forward. "Having to learn self-control all over again… being as ancient as you are?"

I ignored him.

He kept talking.

"Blood-free for a century and now…" He grinned and licked his lips. "Kind of like falling off the wagon, yeah?"

"You're giving me a headache." I threw the empty bag of blood at his face. He moved to the side and snickered. "And I'm fine. Everything is just—"

Her smell was intoxicating. She was walking down the stairs, so her heart picked up speed, her body giving off a scent of burnt vanilla and oranges with a hint of sugar. My mouth literally watered.

"Fine?" Alex said in a mocking voice. "Was that what you were going to say? Damn, man show a little decorum, you look… starved."

"I am," I whispered and fought the urge to rock back and forth. That was the problem with mating — with bonding. Nothing tasted like her, nothing ever would, and typically, having her as my mate gave me full access.

But the more I took…

The stronger the bond.

And the more I wanted…

It was a vicious overwhelming cycle. It would lead me to become emotionally invested while she, as a human, could simply pretend.

It wasn't fair.

Immortals, in essence, were cursed with a deep desire to be like a human — to possess them, to bond with them forever — while humans only felt the same draw to us if they actually loved us.

Ridiculous.

"Oh, there you are." Stephanie pushed Genesis forward and pulled out a chair.

Slowly, Genesis took a seat and glared at each one of us. "Where's Mason?"

Genesis blinked at Alex then back at me. "Because you guys have the capacity for jealousy."

Alex whistled while Stephanie laughed.

Immortals were the most jealous beings on the planet. Had her school taught her nothing?
Was I to be her tutor as well?

"So…" Alex trained his eyes on her, putting her at as much ease as he could without stopping her poor heart. "Now that the mating is complete, you get to learn all about us and service your man here." He slapped my back.

Really. Really. Poor choice of words.

Genesis paled.

I rolled my eyes. "He's kidding."

Alex laughed. "I think it needs to be said that having a human at the house has already helped my mood immensely."

"That makes one of you," Genesis said under her breath.

Alex leaned forward and whispered, "Ethan, try not to be so grouchy. Keep the fangs in and all."

I extended them just to prove a point.

Genesis recoiled.

I instantly felt guilty.

Damn it.

"You won't…" I licked my lips. "You won't have to service me, as Alex so delicately put it."

"Is that what mates do?" Genesis asked, her eyes searching mine. "They…" She lifted her hands into the air and dropped them.

"If that's what you think they do, we have a very big problem." Alex mimicked her movements and winked.

She blushed.

I hissed at him and returned my attention to her. "It's like a human relationship, only stronger. You'll attend functions with me, be by my side, at my beck and call for as long as you live."

I didn't want to say until one day she just didn't wake up. It sounded too cruel.

"And when I'm bored out of my mind… I do what?" She crossed her arms. "I mean, what could you possibly need from me?"

"Adorable." Alex sighed happily. "I'm so glad we kept her."

"Alex…" I was two seconds away from slamming him into the nearest wall. "Make yourself useful and find our human a snack."

"I'm not a pet!" Genesis yelled. "And I'm not your human!"

"You are," I yelled right back, "mine!"

"Kids." Stephanie stepped between us.

I didn't even realize I'd gotten out of the chair and was towering over her, fangs out, hands raised. She'd turned me into a monster. And still, my eyes found her erratic pulse. One more taste…

"Ethan—" Stephanie pushed against my chest. I didn't move. "Ethan!"

"Friend…" Mason walked into the room. "Sit your ass down before she hands it to you."

"Like she could!" I roared.

"Like I have!" Stephanie pushed me again. "Don't tempt me… again."

I sat, while Mason made his way over to Genesis and offered an easy smile. The man had nothing to smile about, yet he was smiling — at my mate.

I growled.

Mason gave me the finger and kept his attention trained on Genesis. "How do you feel?"

"Better." She returned his smile and squeezed his outstretched hand. "Thanks for not… killing me when I asked."

"Damn…" Alex said from the kitchen.

"You were in pain." Mason shrugged. "And I'm glad you're alright."

"She's fine. We're fine. Everything's fine," I said through clenched teeth. "Now it's probably time to give her answers before she thinks she can run off and actually survive in the real world without being hunted by a Dark One, or worse, found by Cassius."

"He isn't all bad," Stephanie said defensively.

We all glared at her.

"What?" She lifted her hands into the air. "I'm just saying he's been trying as hard as we have. So what if he's gotten a bit possessive over the last few numbers that have been called."

Alex slammed his fist onto the table. "He stole Ethan's—"

"Enough." I held up my hand. The pain in my chest grew until it was hard to breathe. I knew what would take that pain away.

Genesis.

But I was too angry to ask for it. Too ashamed to fall to my knees in front of a mere mortal and beg for her to end the pain by allowing me one solitary drop of her blood.

As if on cue, another bag of blood hit me in the head.

Alex must have sensed my mood.

I bit into it and looked away from Genesis's horrified expression.

~ABOUT RACHEL VAN DYKEN~

Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she's not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.
She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers!

Jewelz Review~
It's been a while since I've read a paranormal book. I got a little burned out and just haven't revisited the genre until now and Rachel Van Dyken has worked her magic again. She never ceases to amaze me with her ability to craft a wonderful story no matter what genre she chooses to work in.

Genesis is an intriguing heroine. Her entire life she was told that she's ugly and of no value and yet she still tried her best to please. The effect of constant negative feedback was predictably low self esteem. However, while she accepted he lack of worth, she didn't allow it to stop her from trying to excel in her studies and all that she did. When her number is called and she is brought before the immortals, once again she displays grace and dignity as she faces almost certain death.

Ethan, Alex, and Mason are the handsome immortals that Genesis finds herself living with. Each carries his own pain from the past. While Ethan's behavior is very much influenced by his past, he still bouys up Genesis and became the man I knew he truly was. Mason is just a little puppy dog - he's been through difficulty and he carries his pain on his sleeve, but I don't think anyone could be sweeter. Alex was a bit of a mystery in my opinion for most of the book, but as the climax neared I began to understand him. He is definitely loyal - and that's a trait to be valued.

I wasn't sure what to think of Cassius at first. Is he good? Is he bad? What are his true intentions with Genesis? I really enjoyed his development throughout the book. Like all of us, he isn't all good or all bad, but a little of both. His intentions behind his actions are what ultimately determine his destiny - no matter how much he tries to deny those intentions.

As with all Rachel Van Dyken books - I didn't want to put it down. I stayed up way too late reading and got through it in only a few days. The story not only grabs your attention, but your emotions as well. It's a beautiful story of love, loss, and redemption but with a definite twist.

FYI ~ open door intimate scenes, but written tastefully; some language
Honest disclosure ~ I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

"Mason will break
down the door if he has to." Fighting broke out in the hall. "Ethan,
I can smell the sex from here. One immortal to another, feed her before you
can't feed from her anymore."

Ethan growled and
pulled back from me. "They have no manners."

I was half-tempted to
cover my face with my hands. Had they heard us? Of course they'd heard us, and
they knew, and they could… Yeah, I wanted to crawl under the bed and hide for a
few days. Instead, Ethan pounced from the bed, put on a pair of jeans, and
jerked open the door while I tried to hide beneath the covers.

Alex peered over
Ethan's shoulder and waved.

I had no choice but to
wave back and hope that I wasn't as red as I felt.

"She's
alive." Alex held up his hand for a high five. "No? Not funny? Too
soon?"

"Horrible
joke," Mason said next to him. "I made eggs. She's going to need
food. Make her eat everything on the plate and—"

He was still talking
when Ethan slammed the door in his face and brought a giant plate of food over
to me.

I pointed at the eggs,
ten slices of bacon, and toast. "Clearly, they don't want me to
starve."

"Wolves."
Ethan looked heavenward. "He should be more concerned with his own diet,
the ass."

"It does smell
good." I moved up the bed so I could lean against the headboard. "Do
you eat?"

Ethan's lips curved
into a predatory smile. "I ate several times last night. Care for me to
refresh your memory?"

My cheeks burned.

"So tempting."
He reached for a piece of bacon and held it to his lips, taking a small bite
that had my entire body clenching to keep from reaching out and attacking him.
"And yes, I can eat. I typically do eat but haven't been because when we
drink, we don't need normal food."

"But before
me…" I grabbed a piece of toast. "You were eating normal food."

"Stop it,"
he hissed and looked away. "Damn, I can't watch you eat. I'm going to
shower while you eat your entire plate as per Mason's orders, and then I'll
contemplate letting you leave this room so you can go to the bookstore."

"Ah!" I almost
knocked over the food. "My job! Am I late? Will I get fired?"

Ethan burst out
laughing. "It's eight in the morning. He's expecting you when I drop you
off. No sooner, no later. You won't get fired. He wouldn't dream of it, and you
really are adorable."

"And hot." I
sighed.

"That too."

"No, I mean hot,
as in, it's scorching in here."

Ethan winced.
"You may be that way for a few days."

"Hot?"

He nodded.

"Why?"

"Too much vampire
blood makes you overheat a bit." He shrugged. "It won't turn you—
You're very much human, like I've said before, but sometimes the vampire blood
causes a type of burn to take over in your bloodstream, not painful, just not
exactly pleasant if it's a hundred degrees outside."

"Good thing it's
Seattle." I bit into the toast.

"Yes, well, I
imagine at this point, raindrops would simply turn to vapor if they landed on
your skin."

I smiled.

"Shower." He
nodded. "I'm going to turn around now and walk away."

"Narrating?"

"Apparently,
that's what I do when I can think of nothing more than ripping that sheet from
your body, slamming you into the nearest wall, and possessing you all over
again."

I dropped the toast.

He growled, taking two
steps toward me, then swore and turned back around.

"Have a good
shower!" I called.

Another growl was his
answer, and then his jeans went flying. I wasn't laughing anymore.

Rachel Van Dyken is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of regency and contemporary romances. When she's not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks and plotting her next book while watching The Bachelor.

She keeps her home in Idaho with her Husband, adorable son, and two snoring boxers! She loves to hear from readers!

Friday, September 18, 2015

She and her boyfriend Josh have skated together and dated for four years, and they’ve reached a critical point in their partnership both on and off the ice. With the Winter Games coming up and their career nearing an end, they are fighting to win a spot on the Olympic team, something Courtney has dreamed of since she was ten years old.

She also has another wish she hopes comes true soon. She’s waiting for a marriage proposal from Josh that she expected to happen by now. Will she realize either dream or will her heart be broken from disappointment?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jennifer Comeaux is a tax accountant by day, writer by night. There aren’t any ice rinks near her home in south Louisiana, but she’s a die-hard figure skating fan and loves to write stories of romance set in the world of competitive skating. One of her favorite pastimes is traveling to competitions, where she can experience all the glitz and drama that inspire her writing.

Jewelz Review~
Josh and Courtney we back on the ice, competing at Nationals and hopefully a spot of the olympic team as well. If you've read the previous books in this series, you know that Josh and Court have had their share of ups and downs as a skating pair. This is their final chance to skate together in the Olympics. Now in their mid-twenties, they are looking to shift their focus from competitive skating to college and career after this season.

As with all of Jennifer Comauex's books, I loved Taking the Ice. It was a fun, quick read that put a smile on my face and feeling happy inside. I enjoyed watching Josh and Court's relationship develop on and off the ice. They know when to be serious, and hey know when to relax and have fun. It's never a simple path for them where everything goes just right. Just as in real life, there are setbacks and frustrations. Mistakes are made, but they get back up and try again.

Taking the Ice is a great finale to Josh and Courtney's competitive skating story. I hope there's more to come as their adventure continues off the ice.

Honest disclosure~ I received a copy in exchange for my honest review in participation with this blog tour

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Lisa Swinton caught
the romance bug early by way of fairy tales and hasn't been able to cure it
since. Consequently, she feeds her addiction with romance novels and films. In
between being a doctor's wife and mother of two, she puts her B.A. in Musical Theater
to good use via community theater and church choir.

In her elusive spare time she enjoys researching her family
tree, painting her house, and baking, especially with chocolate. She loves
traveling, reading Jane Austen, and all things Italian. In her next life, she
plans to be a professional organizer.

Lexi Court spent
seven years traveling the world, living the nomadic Broadway life, in an
attempt to outrun the broken heart Nick Rivers gave her. Now, there’s nowhere
left to go.

When she accepted a
position as a high school drama teacher in Las Vegas, Lexi hoped to get over
Nick, find a nice guy, and settle down. But what should be a quiet summer gets
turned upside down when Lexi's best friend, Taffy, drafts her to be an
emergency replacement coach on a televised vocal competition.

Feeling out of her
league among the other three celebrity coaches, Lexi fights for the most
promising contestants to be on her team. One note from a single voice shatters
her summer. Nick unexpectedly auditions and joins Lexi's team. With her vocalcrush on him raging as strong as ever, she has nowhere to run from Nick’s
dreamy looks or siren voice.

Lexi has no doubt
that Nick can win the competition. The question is does he want to win her
heart as well or will he damage it beyond repair?

The lights dimmed, the singer hit the first note, and Lexi’s
hand slammed down on her button. With that voice on her team she could win the
show, no question. But wait, she knew that voice. Dread gripped her like a
vice. She felt as if a hundred buckets of ice cold water had been dumped over
her head as her chair spun around. She closed her eyes. She didn’t need to see
the figure on stage. His voice and face had haunted her for the past seven
years.

The chair stopped. She heard the smallest of all hitches in
his breath and knew he’d recognized her. She heard the other coaches’ buttons
slam down one right after the other, and the audience gave a huge cheer. She
suspected the three men beside her knew the guy on stage could win it all and
she’d have to fight for him. Except, it wouldn’t be a fight. He’d pick her. She
knew it.

She wished she’d never hit her button, never agreed to the
show, and never heard his voice now or all those years ago. But most of all,
she wished she wouldn’t have to face him, look into those crystal blue eyes,
and hear that voice for the next two months. Two months of sheer torture loomed
before her.

All of this zipped through her brain like lightning before
she remembered she was on camera and how odd she must look sitting there with
her eyes closed. She took a deep breath, pasted on her face what she hoped was
a happy smile, and opened her eyes.

There he was, larger than life, singing away on the stage, his blond
hair gleaming under the stage lights. Her vocal crush.

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Tifferz and Her Sisterz

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